What Should I Do To Take Better Care Of My Contact Lenses?

HEALTH & FITNESS - HEALTH - Q&A

ANSWER: Failure to observe some basic rules about handling and cleaning contact lenses can lead to eye problems.

Eyes come in a variety of shapes, as do lenses, so the correct lens must be matched for a given eye.

Most lens providers will have the wearer return for a checkup after about three weeks to make sure the fit is correct, and then they will recommend a yearly examination.

Most of the 25 million Americans who wear contact lenses now use soft lenses.

Soft lenses absorb everything like sponges, so safety is an everyday responsibility of cleaning and disinfection. Lenses pick up external debris, pollutants and oils, mucus and protein from tears. They should be cleaned every day with an over-the-counter solution. The lens provider will tell you how to clean the lenses and which solutions to use.

Daily disinfection also is important to get rid of bacteria that live in the eye and the air, as well as bacteria from fingers that handle the lenses.

Before lenses are touched, the hands should be washed with a non-creamy, non-scented soap and rinsed thoroughly. Lens cases should be cleaned periodically with a detergent and hot water and replaced if they appear soiled.

The new one-day disposable contacts should not be worn for several days.

Symptoms of a lens problem can include pain, swelling, red eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing and an eye discharge. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should stop wearing the lenses and consult the ophthalmologist immediately.